Guide to Malaysian Food Import Regulations: Registration, Labeling, and Compliance Essentials

Introduction

This guide covers everything you need to know about food import regulations in Malaysia, including the food regulatory framework, compliance requirements, etc. It also lays out expert services to help you navigate the complexities of Malaysia’s food standards and ensure your success in this dynamic market.

Food Regulatory Framework in Malaysia

Malaysia’s food safety and compliance are governed by several key agencies:

• Food Safety and Quality Division (FSQD), Ministry of Health: Oversees food safety policies, legislation, and enforcement for domestic and imported foods.
• Department of Veterinary Services (DVS): Manages animal disease control, import approvals for animal products, and slaughterhouse certifications.
• Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM): Responsible for Halal certification and standardization of Islamic laws.
• Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS): Provides inspection, quarantine, and import permit services for animal products.

Key Regulations in Malaysia

• Food Act 1983: The Food Act 1983 represents Malaysia’s cornerstone legal framework for food regulations. It establishes the essential standards for hygiene, quality, and safety across all stages of food production, importation, and retail.
• Food Regulations 1985: This legislation delineates specific procedural and administrative controls, including food production licenses, food sampling and testing procedures, food labeling, the use of additives and nutritional fortificants, food packaging, and the use of unintentional additives.
• Trade Descriptions (Halal Definition) Order 2011: It provides clear and authoritative definitions for the term ‘Halal’ and gives a regulatory basis for the production, processing, and labeling of halal food. It’s designed to meet the demands of Muslim consumers and uphold market order.

Compliance Requirements for Food Products in Malaysia

Product Compliance

Before exporting food to Malaysia, exporters/importers must ensure that their products meet Malaysian food laws and regulations, including quality specifications, ingredient composition, and labeling requirements.

Product Registration and Permits

General Foods: No registration or notification is required.

Special Categories:

• Animal Products (e.g., meat, dairy, seafood, honey): Slaughterhouses or facilities must be approved by DVS and JAKIM. Each shipment requires an import permit from MAQIS and a health certificate from the exporting country.
• Special Purpose Foods (e.g., infant formula, baby food, low-energy foods): Requires prior written approval from FSQD.
• Drinking Water and Mineral Water: Requires a license from FSQD before export.
• Dietary Supplements: Regulated as pharmaceuticals and require registration with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).

Halal Certification

Halal certification is mandatory for food, beverages, cosmetics, and dietary supplements marketed as Halal in Malaysia. The certification is issued by JAKIM or its recognized local Halal certification bodies. Applicants must provide detailed documentation, including business registration, product composition, and packaging specifications, and undergo on-site inspections.

Our Services

We offer a comprehensive range of services to ensure your products comply with Malaysian regulations.

Food Classification and Ingredient Review

We conduct a thorough review of your product formulation, including raw materials, additives, and nutritional fortifiers. Our experts classify ingredients, assess their compliance with Malaysian regulations, and provide detailed conclusions and recommendations.

Label Review and Development

We review your product labels to ensure compliance with Malaysian labeling requirements. Our review covers:

• Product name
• Ingredient list
• Nutritional information
• Allergen labeling
• Halal claims (if applicable)

We provide a detailed audit report and assist with label translation and development if needed.

Product Registration

We assist with the registration of special category foods, including:

• Preparing necessary application materials (e.g., permits, business licenses)
• Collecting and reviewing required documentation
• Coordinating laboratory testing
• Submitting applications and tracking progress

Regulatory Consulting

We provide customized consulting services to address your specific regulatory queries, including:

• Feasibility analysis for food imports
• Compliance training
• Regulatory updates and alerts

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